You will be transferred from either Invercargill, Te Anau or Queenstown (indirect services) to Tuatapere (timetables subject to change). On arrival you will complete some formalities and have a trip briefing at the Hump Ridge Track office if arriving before 5.30pm. If arriving after 5.30pm, settle into your nearby trip accommodation, where you will also collect your meal pack for the walk.  Your accommodation for the night includes a tasty home-cooked dinner plus a hearty breakfast next morning. Note: be sure to purchase your lunch and snack supplies for the trail before arriving in Tuatapere. There is a small supermarket in the village (usually open until 9:00pm but this can change) useful for last minute purchases or anything you have forgotten. However, in case of travel delays or particular food requirements it is best to be prepared in advance.

Meals:  D

After breakfast, you will be collected from your accommodation and driven to the Humpridge track office to check in any luggage before continuing on to the trailhead at Rarakau, a drive of approx 30 minutes. (If you have chosen to have your luggage flown by helicopter today, you will be advised where to leave it before you set off.) You will gradually climb up to the top of the Hump Ridge (approx 1000m), crossing several swing bridges and passing through beautiful native forest, the stunning diversity of which changes dramatically with elevation. Ascending straight up the ridge you will reach Stag Point, where the trees part and you are welcomed by views of the beautiful Te Waewae Bay. On clear days you will also be able to see Stewart Island and the Fiordland mountains and lakes nearby. About an hour further on you will arrive at Okaka Lodge, nestled beneath the ridgetop. Enjoy a hot shower then unwind as you admire the views.

Meals:  B,D

Begin walking today down the Hump Ridge, with more splendid views and beautiful forest. Further on the human history of the region becomes apparent, crossing several magnificent wooden viaducts on the way to Port Craig. These were built in the early 1900's when Port Craig was a bustling sawmill town. Nearing the site of the original village, if you are interested in the history and relics that surround it, choose to take the interpretive trail or just meander down to the beach and spot some of the resident Hector’s dolphins that live in the bay. On arrival at Port Craig Lodge, the friendly lodge manager will welcome you. After a brief orientation the time is yours to explore or simply relax and put your feet up, enjoying the coastal ambience.

Meals:  B,D

The final day of the trail begins by walking beneath a canopy of native bush, then along several beautiful beaches. Pause a while at the Blowholes to watch the waves surging upwards through a funnel of rocks on the shoreline. Rejoin the initial section of track winding along the coast to Rarakau to complete the circuit. You will be met at the trailhead and driven back to Tuatapere where you will connect with your transfer to return to either Queenstown (indirect service arriving 7:45pm), Invercargill (arrive 4:35pm) or Te Anau (on request, arrive 4:15pm). Timing of these transfers is subject to schedule changes.

Meals:  B